Latest news with #Zikarsky
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
No. 45 pick Rocco Zikarsky signs two-way contract with Timberwolves
Australian center Rocco Zikarsky, No. 45 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, the team announced. Zikarsky averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field last season with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL. He was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury after playing 29 games in the season prior with the Bullets because of an ankle injury. The 7-footer was part of the Next Stars program, a plan introduced by the NBL to give top prospects a path to play professionally. He was among several prospects in the program last season, joining the likes of Izan Almansa, Lachlan Olbrich and Alex Toohey. Prior to spending two seasons with the Bullets, Zikarsky attended the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia. He is the second NBA Academy alumnus to be selected in the draft this year (Khaman Maluach) and the 13th to be drafted or sign with a team. The soon-to-be 19-year-old will split his time next season between the NBA and the Iowa Wolves in the G League. He is eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn $636,435, equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service. Zikarsky is expected to play in the NBA Summer League with the Timberwolves, beginning on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Timberwolves' Joan Beringer, Rocco Zikarsky attend Minnesota Lynx game
Minnesota Timberwolves rookies Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky attended the WNBA matchup between the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. Beringer and Zikarsky arrived in Minnesota over the weekend and will be introduced at a press conference on Monday. Before their introduction, they were spotted sitting courtside at the Target Center in custom-made jerseys of the hometown team. The newest members of the Timberwolves watched the Lynx post a dominating 102-63 win over the Sun, improving to 14-2 this season. Napheesa Collier led the Lynx with 23 points and nine rebounds, and Kayla McBride added 20 points and five assists. Beringer was selected with the 17th pick after averaging 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks on 64.4% shooting from the field in 64 games with Cedevita Olimpija. The Frenchman scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 14 points and 10 rebounds on May 27. Zikarsky, the 45th pick, averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field this past season. The Australian was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury after playing 29 games in the season prior because of an ankle injury. Beringer and Zikarsky are expected to play in the NBA Summer League with the Timberwolves, beginning on July 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 p.m. EDT, ESPN2).
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
This basketballer lived in a shipping container. Now he's part of Australia's equal record NBA draft haul
'But it's definitely warmed up a little bit, and it's a great place to be.' ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that Zikarsky was expected to spend the next two seasons on a two-way contract with the Wolves, allowing him to be able to develop his game between the NBA and its development league. Olbrich joins Giddey at the Bulls Olbrich could team up with fellow Aussie Josh Giddey, who is a restricted free agent and tipped to receive a lucrative new contract from the Bulls after starring for them this past season. Teams don't have to sign second-round picks to contracts and can choose to send them overseas to develop, but there seems a good chance all four will end up in the US league next season. Timberwolves president Tim Connolly said he was 'fired up' about snaring the 18-year-old Zikarsky, who has trained in Minnesota since late March. 'He was a very good competitive swimmer, near Olympic level [at underage level] prior to getting into basketball, so we are fired up,' Connolly told a press conference. 'He is a long-term play but a guy who trained locally, so he appreciates Minnesota. We had a great workout with him, and had him much higher on our board.' Loading Australia's equal-best NBA draft haul With four Australians chosen, this year's draft ranks equal with the 1997 intake for the most Australians ever selected, with Zikarsky (pick 45) the first of the quartet picked up. In 1997, South East Melbourne Magic's Chris Anstey ended up with the Dallas Mavericks after the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him in the first round. C.J. Bruton, Paul Rogers and Ben Pepper were all taken in the second round. The Timberwolves could opt to have the 221-centimetre Zikarsky play elsewhere next year to continue his development, or they could bring him in to learn from veteran centre and four-time NBA defensive player of the year Ruby Gobert. Olbrich was taken by the LA Lakers at pick 55 but had his draft rights traded to the Bulls, who could offer him a two-way contract in which he would move between the G-League and the NBA. Toohey could face a similar situation with the Warriors. ESPN reported during the draft coverage that Proctor was tipped to earn a roster spot with the Cavs, who wanted a young guard to add depth to their line-up. Two-way contracts see players earn about $US600,000 and move between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate. They can suit-up for up to 50 NBA games, and teams can choose to upgrade their contract to a full-season one. The Bulls have a rich history with Australian players. Luc Longley won three-straight titles playing alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s, while Anstey, Cam Bairstow and Luke Schenscher all spent time at Chicago in the years after. Cavs pick up Proctor, Toohey goes to Golden State The Cavaliers made Proctor the latest Aussie to join their ranks when they took him with pick 49. He joins the team where Matthew Dellavedova (who went undrafted) won a title with LeBron James, while former second-round pick Luke Travers was a two-way player in Cleveland this past season. Cavs general manager Mike Gansey told media that Proctor was expected to sign a multi-year contract with the team. Toohey, a wing for the Sydney Kings, had to wait for the 52nd pick to hear his name called out by Golden State. Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy told media the team traded into the second round to draft Toohey and Florida shooter Will Richard, and he didn't think either player was 'years away' from making an impact for the team. Toohey impressed scouts with his feel for the game and defensive nous, but fell into the second round where the Warriors took him with a selection that was originally held by the Phoenix Suns. Proctor played with Duke University in US college basketball and his teammates Flagg, Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel were selected in the top 10. Flagg flies in Dallas; Maluach steals the show The Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the draft on Thursday, while 10th pick Maluach stole the show after he capped a stunning rise from South Sudan to the NBA. Cooper Flagg is on his way to the Dallas Mavericks as the No.1 pick in the NBA draft, but the tears of South Sudanese centre Maluach stole the show during the first round. The 216-centimetre Maluach was overcome upon hearing his name called on Thursday (AEST), completing a rise from the streets of South Sudan to the NBA academy, the South Sudan Olympic team and Duke, where he played this past season. His draft rights will be part of the Kevin Durant trade, so while he was drafted by Houston Rockets, he will be headed to the Phoenix Suns. Maluach said he wanted to change perceptions about Africa and promote the best of the continent, rather than its struggles. 'The moment met my expectations,' Maluach said. 'I didn't think I was going to cry, but sometimes I let the emotions out. I was so happy. Everything was just going through my head, my whole journey and my people and the continent I represent, the continent of Africa. 'It just makes me proud because I had beliefs. I believed in myself. I was delusional about my dreams. No matter what the odds are against you, it shows that you can win.' Heckler disrupts the draft's first round Flagg, a Maine native and Duke forward, was a certainty to be the first pick after his stellar season in the US college basketball system, but some conspiracy theorists in the crowd had their say at the start of the event. A fan could be heard screaming 'Dallas was fixed' on the TV broadcast microphones just before NBA commissioner Adam Silver walked to the stage to open the draft. There is an unfounded conspiracy theory among some fans that the Mavericks were awarded the top pick in the NBA draft lottery in return for the shock mid-season trade that resulted in Dallas sending superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in return for Anthony Davis. Mavs fans protested for weeks after the Doncic trade, while the Lakers gained a young superstar to take over from LeBron James when he eventually retires. The Mavericks received the first draft pick, despite having just a 1.8 per cent chance of doing so. The NBA hosts an annual lottery draw for its top selections as a way of avoiding teams deliberately finishing last to gain the first pick. Loading 'No, I don't know what to say about that,' Flagg said when asked about the conspiracy theory. 'I have no insider information, if that's what you're looking for. But I just feel blessed for the way it all worked out.' Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper was taken at No.2 by the San Antonio Spurs, followed by Bahamas and Baylor University guard V.J. Edgecombe at No.3, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. In the name of the brothers Duke guard Knueppel went to the Charlotte Hornets with pick four, followed by Rutgers guard Ace Bailey to the Utah Jazz and Texas guard Tre Johnson, who joined the Washington Wizards with pick six. Knueppel is the oldest of five brothers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, all of whom have names starting with 'K': Kager, Kingston, Kash and Kidman. All five appeared on the ESPN broadcast of the draft and all are aspiring basketballers. New Pelicans could be headed to Melbourne The New Orleans Pelicans, who will play two pre-season games in Melbourne against NBL clubs later this year, picked Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at No.7 and traded for big man Derick Queen at No.13. The pair will likely debut in Pelicans colours at Rod Laver Arena. Fears hopes the pair can become stars together as the Pelicans re-tool their roster under new boss Joe Dumars. Fears found out about the trade while talking to the media. 'That's super dope. Derik is a great guy, super talented. You can expect a lot from him this season,' Fears said. 'I feel like our connection and our duo is going to go a long way, as well. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to build that connection, two rookies coming in. You guys should expect big things.' San Antonio were again big winners as they drafted the highly touted Harper at No.2 and then grabbed Arizona defensive ace Carter Bryant at No.14 to pair with French superstar Victor Wembanyama. Harper is the son of five-time NBA championship winner Ron Harper who won three titles with Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls and two with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Byrant's LA Lakers. Chinese centre Yang Hansen was a surprise early selection by Memphis Grizzlies at No.16, and his draft rights were traded to Portland. The LA Clippers used the 30th pick on Swiss seven-footer Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
West Australian
27-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Giant Queensland teenager Rocco Zikarsky one of four Aussies snapped up in NBA draft
Australian teenager Rocco Zikarsky will start his NBA career at Minnesota , having been recruited with pick No.45 in the draft. Zikarsky, Australian basketball's next big thing who is 2.2 metres tall, was one of four players from the NBL's Next Star program to declare for the draft. The 18-year-old, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons with Brisbane, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. But Zikarsky was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to by the Timberwolves. Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor, Alex Toohey and Lachlan Olbrich were drafted soon after. Proctor went to the Cleveland Cavaliers with pick No.49, while Sydney Kings talent Toohey will link up with superstar Steph Curry after being selected by Golden State with pick No.52. Illawarra Hawk Olbrich (pick No.55) will join compatriot Josh Giddey at Chicago. It is the first time since 1997 that four Australians have been taken in the same NBA draft (in 1997 it was Chris Anstey, Paul Rogers, Ben Pepper, and C.J. Bruton). In this year's draft, Zikarsky was the tallest player and his new club thought he was a potential first-round pick. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly was thrilled his club was able to land the young gun. 'We're super lucky to add Rocco Zikarsky, 18-year-old kid out of Brisbane, you know, seven foot three, no shoes, was a very good competitive swimmer, I think, near Olympic level prior to getting into basketball.,' he said. 'So we're fired up. 'I think he's certainly a long-term player, but a guy who trained locally, so he has an appreciation for Minnesota. 'We had him a much higher on the board. And again, it's fun to add young players with that energy, and we're fired up.' Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence coach Robbie McKinlay oversaw the development of the young Australians stars. 'To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill, and basketball IQ — and all four tick those boxes,' McKinlay said. 'Rocco obviously has size, agility, and terrific defensive instincts and continues to expand an impressive offensive game. 'Tyrese has had an elite basketball education — from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University. '(He's) a floor leader, elite shooter, and versatile defender ... and (already) shown he is a big-game player. 'Alex is such a versatile player at both ends of the floor and fits perfectly in the 'positionless' trend of the global game. You saw in the NBL with the Kings that he has the ability to make big plays and is an explosive athlete in the open court. 'And Lachlan showed in the Hawks' NBL title run that he is a fierce competitor with the ability to play inside and on the perimeter, and guard multiple positions.' The 2025 quartet will report to NBA camps from October 1, joining a strong Australian contingent. Fourteen Australians were on NBA rosters this past season.
Perth Now
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Sporting dream now real life for giant Aussie teen: ‘We're fired up'
Australian teenager Rocco Zikarsky will start his NBA career at Minnesota, having been recruited with pick No.45 in the draft. Zikarsky, Australian basketball's next big thing who is 2.2 metres tall, was one of four players from the NBL's Next Star program to declare for the draft. The 18-year-old, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons with Brisbane, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. But Zikarsky was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to by the Timberwolves. Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor, Alex Toohey and Lachlan Olbrich were drafted soon after. Zikarsky and his family were all dressed up for the draft. Credit: Supplied The 18-year-old Queenslander was the tallest player in this year's draft pool. Credit: Supplied Proctor went to the Cleveland Cavaliers with pick No.49, while Sydney Kings talent Toohey will link up with superstar Steph Curry after being selected by Golden State with pick No.52. Illawarra Hawk Olbrich (pick No.55) will join compatriot Josh Giddey at Chicago. It is the first time since 1997 that four Australians have been taken in the same NBA draft (in 1997 it was Chris Anstey, Paul Rogers, Ben Pepper, and C.J. Bruton). In this year's draft, Zikarsky was the tallest player and his new club thought he was a potential first-round pick. Timberwolves president Tim Connelly was thrilled his club was able to land the young gun. 'We're super lucky to add Rocco Zikarsky, 18-year-old kid out of Brisbane, you know, seven foot three, no shoes, was a very good competitive swimmer, I think, near Olympic level prior to getting into basketball.,' he said. 'So we're fired up. 'I think he's certainly a long-term player, but a guy who trained locally, so he has an appreciation for Minnesota. 'We had him a much higher on the board. And again, it's fun to add young players with that energy, and we're fired up.' Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence coach Robbie McKinlay oversaw the development of the young Australians stars. 'To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill, and basketball IQ — and all four tick those boxes,' McKinlay said. 'Rocco obviously has size, agility, and terrific defensive instincts and continues to expand an impressive offensive game. 'Tyrese has had an elite basketball education — from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University. '(He's) a floor leader, elite shooter, and versatile defender ... and (already) shown he is a big-game player. 'Alex is such a versatile player at both ends of the floor and fits perfectly in the 'positionless' trend of the global game. You saw in the NBL with the Kings that he has the ability to make big plays and is an explosive athlete in the open court. 'And Lachlan showed in the Hawks' NBL title run that he is a fierce competitor with the ability to play inside and on the perimeter, and guard multiple positions.' The 2025 quartet will report to NBA camps from October 1, joining a strong Australian contingent. Fourteen Australians were on NBA rosters this past season.
